B&Q veteran Kieran O'Neill reflects on immersing himself in retail media as he ends time at DIY retailer

Kieran O'Neill has left B&Q, where he spent almost 12 years, holding various roles during that time, most recently Retail Media Project and Development Manager.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After more than 11 years at B&Q, today marks my last day. It’s hard to sum up over a decade in a few words, but the standout for me has always been the people and the culture. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside talented, supportive colleagues and inspirational leaders who have shaped both my career and who I am professionally."

"There have been so many highlights along the way, managing my first team and learning what leadership really means, being trusted with project work that took me beyond the day-to-day and allowed me to contribute to strategic goals and more recently, immersing myself in retail media one of the most exciting and fast evolving parts of the business. Watching that function grow and being part of the journey has been a real privilege."

He added: "I’m also especially grateful for the opportunities B&Q gave me to take part in charity days and give back to local communities. Those moments really brought our values to life and are memories I’ll always carry with me.”

“Before starting my next chapter, I have a well earned week in the sun with my amazing wife, who has supported me throughout every stage of my career (and listened to more retail stories than anyone should have to). Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. On to the next adventure."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.